Colt 1911 inspection needed ? Approx. cost ?

[Geno]

I acquired a 1976 Colt Commander and after watching AGI 1911 Armorers video (Robert Dunlap) and a cursory look into Jerry Kuhnhausen's Vol.1 1911 book I am wondering if I have excessive looseness in the breech. I can feel some movement of the barrel while leaving the bushing in - does not seem like much but was comparable to the movement I saw in the AGI video in which the comment was made " I would repair this pistol". I just don't have measuring tools and even if I did... you know, "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing"- I could easily measure at the wrong place. Also too much I don't know about related issues yet... headspace, etc. etc.Maybe I worry too much for a pistol I won't shoot very often !

I know nothing about the "history" of the pistol. S/N is 70sc41xxx- ( Is it likely a new, quality bushing would improve lockup ? )

I appreciate that it is impossible to be an "online" Gunsmith... just looking to generally pick some experienced/SME brains I guess.

I would love to take it to range but I don't want to do damage if serious problems exist. Does anyone have suggestions or an approximate idea of what it would cost to get an inspection done ?

Thanks for reading this and any assistance.

Edited May 12, 2012 by Geno

[Dolomite_supafly]

Not sure I understand movement with the bushing left in.

If you are talking about slop between the barrel bushing and the barrel itself it is normal. Doesn't help accuracy if it is too loose but it isn't unsafe from a loose barrel bushing.

Dolomite

[timcalhoun]

He might be talking about pushing down on the barrel when locked up, and the barrel moving down? If so, not uncommon either, particularly for those years of colts. It means that the barrel is fitted poorly. What does excessive mean??? It's kind of a feel thing but I have felt probably (guessing here) .020 + or -.

[timcalhoun]

The easiest way to measure headspace is with a set of "go" "no go" gauges. Midway and Brownells have these. You can use a set of calipers and a feeler gauge it you know the numbers. For 45 the minimum is .898 and the maximum is .920. I cut mine to .906. Remember you have to measure from the breach face and not just from the end of the hood.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Are you a reloaders Geno?

If so you can make an impromptu set to make sure the gun is safe.

Dolomite

[gregintenn]

I would almost tell you to go on and shoot it, but if you're concerned, by all means have it checked out. I wish you were closer; I'd tell you to bring it over, and we'd give it a going over and test fire. Although some of the newer 1911s, as well as target models, are tight, the 1911, by design, should be a quite loose, sloppy gun. They were designed to work, no matter what. That includes working when wet, dirty, packed full of mud, etc. This requires some play in the action.

[Moped]

+1 on what gregintenn said. A little looseness is a good thing in my book.

[Jonnin]

I third that. Tight guns are target guns, and that is an important class of 1911s but its not the only, or best, way to go for all of them. If nothing else, the first time you try to get a bushing out that is in there with a nanometer clearance, you will be glad to have a loose one.

[Geno]

Thanks everyone ! Sounds like you guys have been at the 1911's for some time.

As for the movement ( Sorry ) I meant fore and aft movement with slide in hand- barrel & bushing in. Grabbing the barrel lug and moving fore and aft. Hope that helps.

I will also order the Go/No Go. Otherwise I will try not to get anal about it and just enjoy the old Colt. It seems perfectly good otherwise as a nightstand pistol and occasional CCW.

Thanks again to everyone- I am learning a lot on this Forum.